This cranberry vodka cocktail is bright and refreshing, a perfect drink for any celebration! With tart cranberry juice and smooth vodka, it’s both tasty and easy to make.
Once mixed, the color is gorgeous and it looks fancy in a glass. I love serving it with a twist of lime for extra zing—just don’t forget a straw for those sneaky sips! 🥤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: Use your favorite vodka brand—nothing fancy is needed. If you’re avoiding alcohol, try using a sparkling water or a flavored soda instead for a non-alcoholic version.
Cranberry Juice: Go for unsweetened or lightly sweetened juice to keep things fresh and less sweet. If cranberries aren’t available, pomegranate juice can be a nice alternative!
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice gives the best flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch. Consider lemon juice for a slightly different kick.
Simple Syrup: If you prefer less sweetness, feel free to skip this. You can also make your own by mixing equal parts sugar and water until dissolved.
Garnishes: Adding fresh cranberries or a lime slice makes the drink look special. If you don’t have fresh rosemary, mint leaves can give a lovely aroma.
How to Achieve the Perfect Shake?
A good shake mixes and chills your cocktail, making it refreshing and well-combined. Here’s how to do it right:
- Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes to ensure it chills thoroughly.
- Add the ingredients to the shaker—don’t fill it too high, or it’ll overflow!
- Seal the shaker and shake it hard for about 15-20 seconds. You’ll feel the coldness on the outside!
- For a smoother pour, strain the drink into your glass over fresh ice.
Being confident with your shake will make you feel like a pro! Enjoy crafting this lovely cocktail.
How to Make a Cranberry Vodka Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 3 oz cranberry juice (preferably unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 oz simple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Lime slices (for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprig (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail can be prepared in about 5-10 minutes! You’ll spend a few moments gathering and measuring your ingredients, shaking everything together, and garnishing your drink for that beautiful finishing touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Your Shaker Ready:
Start by taking your cocktail shaker and filling it with ice cubes. This step is important—chilled cocktails always taste better!
2. Add the Ingredients:
Pour in 2 ounces of vodka, 3 ounces of cranberry juice, and 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice. If you like your drink a bit sweeter, add 1 ounce of simple syrup. Just remember, you can always add more sweetness later if you want!
3. Shake It Up:
Secure the lid on your shaker and shake it vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. You’re looking for that refreshing chill! You’ll feel the outside of the shaker getting cold—that’s a good sign!
4. Prepare Your Glass:
Take a short glass (a rocks glass works best!) and fill it with ice cubes. This not only looks nice but keeps your drink cool.
5. Strain and Serve:
Carefully strain the cocktail mixture into your prepared glass, pouring it over the ice. Enjoy the beautiful color as it fills the glass!
6. Garnish for Beauty:
Now comes the fun part! Add a few fresh cranberries to the drink, and place a slice of lime either on the rim or inside the glass. If you’re feeling fancy, finish it off with a sprig of rosemary for a lovely aroma.
7. Enjoy Your Cocktail:
Grab a straw or sip it straight from the glass. Cheers to a refreshing cranberry vodka cocktail! Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Juice?
Absolutely! While cranberry juice is the star here, you can also experiment with pomegranate juice for a similar tartness or even orange juice for a sweeter twist. Just be mindful that the flavor profile will change.
What If I Want a Non-Alcoholic Version?
No problem! Simply replace the vodka with soda water or a lemon-lime soda for a refreshing mocktail. You can also add a splash of ginger ale for some extra fizz!
How Should I Store Leftover Ingredients?
Keep any leftover cranberry juice and lime juice in the fridge in airtight containers. They should stay fresh for about a week, while simple syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to a month—just keep it in a sealed jar!
Can I Prepare This Cocktail in Bulk?
Yes! To make a larger batch, just multiply the ingredient amounts by the number of servings you need and mix everything in a pitcher. Stir gently before serving over ice to keep it fresh and bubbly.
